In the context of ancient Israelite society, the practice of marrying a captive woman is addressed in the Mosaic Law, specifically in the Book of Deuteronomy. This provision is found in Deuteronomy 21:10-14, which outlines the procedure and regulations for an Israelite man who desires to marry a woman taken captive during warfare.

Biblical Text and Context

The passage in Deuteronomy 21:10-14 states:

"When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands and you take them captive, if you see a beautiful woman among them, and you desire her and want to take her as your wife, then you shall bring her into your house. She must shave her head, trim her nails, and put aside the clothing of her captivity. After she has lived in your house and mourned her father and mother for a full month, you may go to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. But if you are not pleased with her, you must let her go free. You may not sell her or treat her as a slave, since you have humiliated her."

Cultural and Historical Background

In the ancient Near Eastern context, warfare often resulted in the capture of women and children. The Mosaic Law provided a framework that sought to humanize and regulate the treatment of captives, contrasting with the often harsh and exploitative practices of surrounding nations. The law aimed to protect the dignity and rights of the captive woman, ensuring she was not treated merely as property or a spoil of war.

Regulations and Procedures

1. Desire and Intention: The Israelite man must have a genuine desire to marry the captive woman, not merely to exploit her. This intention is crucial as it sets the tone for the subsequent actions.

2. Period of Mourning and Transition: The woman is to be brought into the man's household, where she undergoes a period of mourning for her parents. This involves shaving her head, trimming her nails, and changing her clothing. These acts symbolize a transition from her previous life and the beginning of a new identity within the Israelite community.

3. Marriage and Rights: After a month, if the man still desires to marry her, he may do so, and she becomes his wife. This marriage grants her the rights and status of a wife within the household.

4. Protection from Exploitation: If the man decides not to marry her, he must release her freely. The law explicitly prohibits selling her or treating her as a slave, acknowledging her dignity and the humiliation she has endured.

Theological and Ethical Considerations

This passage reflects the broader biblical themes of justice, mercy, and the sanctity of marriage. It underscores the importance of treating all individuals, even captives, with respect and compassion. The law serves as a reminder of the Israelites' own experience as former slaves in Egypt, calling them to a higher standard of conduct.

The provision for marrying a captive woman also highlights the transformative power of God's law, which seeks to bring order and righteousness into human relationships, even in the context of war. It emphasizes the need for compassion and the protection of the vulnerable, aligning with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself.